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• Rosendale Cafe

The Rosendale Café is a fairly large restaurant/cafe in the heart of the interesting and historic village of Rosendale. Located in an interesting village near a major north-south artery, it may appeal as a diner alternative with entertainment and events. The vegan soups are good to remember as a start to an enjoyable vegan meal there. Recently, for example, the Indian red lentil soup has been among the tasty offerings. There are also vegan entrees; I chose a Jamaican stew that was filled with colorful vegetables, especially carrots, onion, peppers, and yam, and was served over real brown rice. Delicious, though perhaps the sauce was a touch on the sweet side. The restaurant has a tempting desert bar to watch out for as you enter, but they are good about selling half or small sizes of these locally made items if you must. In the area, among vegan and vegetarian restaurants, I would argue that they are notable for offering a side of steamed vegetables. An updated menu includes the Kale-Quinoa salad, which can be ordered vegan. This signature offering was previously available only on select days as a special. Moreover, the dressing has been changed in recent months, and in my opinion, the new recipe yields a far better and less sour-tasting salad. I suggest that aficionados will often be happier if they specify that they prefer the vegetables "not too well-done." Many interesting and sometimes offbeat musical acts and community events are held there; it pays to check the schedule on their website (rosendalecafe.com) in advance. I think each day there is one meat or fish item at most in a large and varied set of offerings, including the daily specials. Generally, reservations are not necessary; "Sit anywhere you like." Updated from previous review on Wednesday May 11, 2016